Systems and Methods for a Connected Sump Pump

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for monitoring operation of a sump pump are provided. A method includes connecting a power adapter to the sump pump and a float-switch. The power adapter includes a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned within a housing, a power supply in electrical communication with components coupled to the PCB, and an integrated chip coupled to the PCB. The integrated chip is configured to establish a wireless connection to a first wireless network, and transmit a message to a remote server over the first wireless network. The method further includes causing an internet enabled device to send one or more instructions that causes the power adapter to connect to the first wireless network, and receiving, using the internet enabled device, a message from the remote server.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on, claims priority to, and incorporatesherein by reference in its entirety, U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/753,560, filed Oct. 31, 2018, and entitled “Systems And MethodsFor A Connected Sump Pump.”

BACKGROUND

Float switches are commonly used to automatically turn a sump pump onwhen water rises to a preset level. The float switches for sump pumpscan have normally open relays, allowing the pump to be inactive when thefloat is in the lowered position, and to activate when the float israised. Various types of float switches can be used with a sump pump,such as: vertical float switches, tethered float switches, andelectronic float switches. Alternatively, in some situations, pressureswitches can be used to control the sump pump.

Vertical float switches slide up and down on a rod. As fluid enters thebasin, the float rises to trigger a switch that turns the pump on. Oncethe pump has lowered the fluid level to a certain point, the floattriggers the switch to turn the pump off.

A tethered float is attached to a bent rod, mechanical trigger, or acable. Similar to the vertical float, a tethered float triggers the pumpto turn on and off based on the rise and fall of the fluid level.

Electronic float switches are primarily used in sump pits which are toonarrow to accommodate a tethered float or other float type. Electronicfloat switches have no moving parts and switch on and off when theswitch detects a rise or fall in the water level.

Float switches can be installed via a piggy-back plug. In such aninstallation, the power plug on the float switch can plug-in to a poweroutlet, and the pump power plug can plug into the piggy-back outlet onthe back of the float power plug.

Sump basins and sump pumps require regular maintenance. However, thefrequency that the pump is used can dictate when maintenance is needed.Some pumps can run frequently due to higher water table, water drainage,or weather conditions. Sump pumps, being mechanical devices, caneventually wear out and/or require replacement. Early recognition ofproblems and subsequent correction can prevent an accidental shutdown ofa sump pump. Some sump pumps can alert homeowners to maintenance issuesvia indicator lights and/or alarms. By nature, however, sump pumps aregenerally located in low-traffic areas (e.g., a corner of a basement).As such, indicator lights and alarms can go unnoticed if a homeownerdoes not actively check on the sump pump.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, systems andmethods for monitoring operation of a sump pump are provided. Thesystems and methods of the invention overcome drawbacks of existingsystems, including those described above, to provide individuals withthe ability to monitor and control a sump pump, and in particular, toovercome the shortcomings relating to the health of the sump pump andthe notification of individuals when a problem occurs.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a system formonitoring operation of a float-switch controlled sump pump via a remoteserver is provided. The system includes a power adapter having a printedcircuit board, the printed circuit board positioned within a housing.The power adapter includes a power supply in electrical communicationwith one or more components coupled to the printed circuit board, thepower supply configured to receive electric power from one or moreelectric power inputs. The power adapter further includes an integratedchip coupled to the printed circuit board. The integrated chip isconfigured to establish a first wireless connection to a first wirelessnetwork, and transmit a message to a remote server over the firstwireless network. The integrated chip is also configured to executecomputer readable instructions. Additionally, the power adapter includesa first receptacle positioned on the housing and configured to accept afloat-switch input, the float-switch input in electrical communicationwith the printed circuit board upon insertion into the first receptacle.The power adapter further includes a second receptacle positioned on thehousing and configured to accept a sump pump input, the sump pump inputin electrical communication with the printed circuit board uponinsertion into the second receptacle.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a method formonitoring and controlling a float-switch controlled sump pump isprovided. The method includes connecting a power adapter to the sumppump a float-switch. The power adapter includes a printed circuit board(PCB) positioned within a housing, a power supply in electricalcommunication with components coupled to the PCB, and an integrated chipcoupled to the PCB. The integrated chip is configured to establish awireless connection to a first wireless network, and transmit a messageto a remote server over the first wireless network. The method furtherincludes causing an internet enabled device to send one or moreinstructions that causes the power adapter to connect to the firstwireless network, and receiving, using the internet enabled device, amessage from the remote server.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a system formonitoring operation of a sump pump via a remote server is provided. Thesystem includes a power adapter, including a housing, a controllerpositioned within the housing and configured to executecomputer-readable instructions, the controller establishingcommunication with the remote server via a first wireless connection toa first wireless network, prongs extending away from the housing and inelectrical communication with components coupled to the controller, theprongs configured to receive electric power from electric power inputs,a first receptacle positioned on the housing and configured to accept afloat-switch input and electrically connect the float-switch input tothe controller and the electric power inputs, and a second receptaclepositioned on the housing and configured to accept a sump pump input ofthe sump pump and electrically connect the sump pump input to thecontroller and the electric power inputs, the controller executing thecomputer-readable instructions to (i) determine that a float switchelectrically coupled to the power adapter at the first receptacle is on,(ii) provide power to the sump pump, (iii) sense a current provided tothe sump pump, (iv) determine that the float switch is off, (v)determine that the current is below a threshold value, (vi) determine atime value that has elapsed between the determining that the floatswitch is off and the determining that the current is below thethreshold value, and (vii) control the pump based on the time value.

In the system, the housing can include a mounting hole oriented toaccept a screw for insertion into a duplex wall outlet to affix thepower adapter to the duplex outlet.

The system can further include a tab extension including a secondmounting hole and being configured to be inserted into the mountinghole, the second mounting hole being configured to accept a screw forinsertion into a simplex wall outlet to affix the power adapter to thesimplex outlet.

In the system, the power adapter can further include a terminalincluding two contactors configured to couple to a high water sensor.

In the system, the second receptacle can include three terminals.

In the system, to control the pump based on the time value, thecontroller can perform a method including (a) determining that the floatswitch is on, (b) providing power to the sump pump, (c) determining thatthe float switch is off, (d) continuing to provide power to the sumppump for an amount of time equal to the time value has passed since thedetermining that the float switch is off at step (c), and (e) ceasing toprovide power to the sump pump.

In the system, the power adapter can be configured to communicate with auser device and receive a request for a health test from the userdevice. To perform the health test the controller can perform a methodincluding running the sump pump for a predetermined time period,receiving operational data from the power adapter, generating a healthtest report based on the operational data, and outputting the healthtest report to the user device. The health test report can includerecommendations to help a user better run the sump pump.

In the system, the power adapter can further include an indicator lightpositioned on a front face of the power adapter, and a pushbuttonpositioned on the front face of the power adapter, and the pushbuttoncan be configured to activate a local mode of the power adapter. Thepower adapter can communicate directly with a user device over aBluetooth or direct WiFi connection during the local mode. Thepushbutton can be further configured to initiate a manual pump operationprocess.

In the system, the power adaptor can be configured to communicate with amonitoring process and receive a request for a health test from themonitoring process.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a system formonitoring operation of a float-switch controlled sump pump via a remoteserver is provided. The system includes a power adapter, including ahousing, a controller positioned within the housing and configured toexecute computer readable instructions, to establish a first wirelessconnection to a first wireless network and to transmit a message to aremote server over the first wireless network, prongs extending awayfrom the housing and in electrical communication with components coupledto the controller, the prongs configured to receive electric power fromelectric power inputs, a first receptacle positioned on the housing andconfigured to accept a float-switch input, the float-switch input inelectrical communication with the printed circuit board upon insertioninto the first receptacle, and a second receptacle positioned on thehousing and configured to accept a sump pump input, the sump pump inputin electrical communication with the printed circuit board uponinsertion into the second receptacle. The controller is furtherconfigured to (a) determine that the float switch is on, (b) providepower to the sump pump, (c) determine that the float switch is off, (d)continue to provide power to the sump pump for an amount of time equalto a predetermined time value has passed since the determining that thefloat switch is off at step (c), and (e) cease to provide power to thesump pump.

In the system, the housing can include a mounting hole oriented toaccept a screw for insertion into the duplex wall outlet to affix thepower adapter to the duplex outlet. The system can further include a tabextension including a second mounting hole and being configured to beinserted into the mounting hole, the second mounting hole being orientedto accept a screw for insertion into a simplex wall outlet to affix thepower adapter to the simplex wall outlet.

In the system, the power adapter can further include a terminalincluding two contactors configured to couple to a high water sensor.

In the system, the message can include at least one of an average weeklymotor current, an average motor current per cycle, a longest cyclelength, a shortest cycle length, a total number of cycles, a total pumprun time, an average power per week, an average power per cycle, a powerfactor, a number of cycles between a previous health test, a time of oneor more health tests, and a voltage measured by the power adapter.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a method forcontrolling and monitoring a sump pump coupled to a power adapter isprovided. The method includes the steps of, (i) determining that a floatswitch is on, the float switch being coupled to the power adapter, (ii)providing power to the sump pump, (iii) sensing a current provided tothe sump pump, (iv) determining that the float switch is off, (v)determining that the current is below a threshold value, (vi)determining a time value that has elapsed between the determining thatthe float switch is off at step (iv) and the determining that thecurrent is below a threshold value at step (v), (vii) providing power tothe sump pump based on the time value.

In the method, the providing power to the sump pump based on the time atstep (vii) can include (a) determining that the float switch is on, (b)providing power to the sump pump, (c) determining that the float switchis off, (d) continuing to provide power to the sump pump for an amountof time equal to a predetermined time value has passed since thedetermining that the float switch is off at step (c), and (e) ceasing toprovide power to the sump pump.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and features, aspects andadvantages other than those set forth above will become apparent whenconsideration is given to the following detailed description thereof.Such detailed description makes reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is an example of a conventional process for installing apiggy-back float switch with a sump pump.

FIG. 2 is an example of a conventional process for operating a sump pumpusing a float switch.

FIG. 3 is a process diagram for installing a piggy-back float switchwith a sump pump, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a power adapter, in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication network corresponding to apower adapter, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another communication network correspondingto a power adapter, in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is an example process for operating a sump pump, in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 is another example process for operating a sump pump, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is another example process for operating a sump pump, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is another example process for operating a sump pump, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is another example process for operating a sump pump, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 is another example process for operating a sump pump, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13 is another example process for operating a sump pump, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14 is another example process for operating a sump pump, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 is another example process for operating a sump pump, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of another power adapter, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16B is a rear perspective view of the power adapter of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a front perspective view of the power adapter of FIG. 16Aand a tab extension, in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 17B is a rear perspective view of the power adapter of FIG. 16A andthe tab extension, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the power adapter of FIG. 16A,the tab extension, and a simplex cover plate.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the power adapter of FIG. 16A anda duplex cover plate.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary process for determining a time value for runninga sump pump after a float switch has been turned off in order to reducea number of motor starts for the pump.

FIG. 21 is an exemplary process for controlling or operating the sumppump based on the time value determined using the process of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary process for performing health test on a sumppump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments are described in detail, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the following drawings, which islimited only by the claims that follow the invention. The invention iscapable of other embodiments, and of being practiced, or of beingcarried out, in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modificationsto the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of theinvention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to belimited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Thefollowing detailed description is to be read with reference to thefigures, in which like elements in different figures have like referencenumerals. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided hereinhave many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodimentsof the invention.

Additionally, while the following discussion may describe featuresassociated with specific devices, it is understood that additionaldevices and or features can be used with the described systems andmethods, and that the discussed devices and features are used to provideexamples of possible embodiments, without being limited.

The invention includes systems and methods for “smart” sump pump controland monitoring. Specifically, the invention provides a connected sumppump control that is configured to send and receive data to remotedevices. This allows a homeowner to, for example, receive alerts ontheir smartphone corresponding to a sump pump fault/problem. Further, ahomeowner can access sump pump data and remotely control the pump (e.g.,turn the sump pump on and off, clear system faults, etc.). Through theimplementation of a power adapter, homeowners can convert an existingsump pump/float switch system into a “smart” sump pump system.

The power adapter can transmit data corresponding to the sump pump andthe float switch to a server (e.g., a cloud-based server). Accordingly,the system can monitor operating parameters such as power consumption,run time, and cycle count. From information such as cycle count, thesystem can determine and inform the homeowner of the predicted life ofthe sump pump. From information such as power consumption, the systemcan inform the homeowner of abnormal sump pump behavior.

In some embodiments, a “health test” can be conducted on the sump pumpsystem. The results of the test can be provided to the homeowner (e.g.,via a smartphone). The health test can be performed on an automatedschedule, and/or when the homeowner requests a new health test. In someembodiments, the disclosed power adapter can measure operational valuessuch as, but not limited to: instantaneous motor current, peak motorcurrent, cycle time, number of cycles, pump run time, power factor,and/or voltage. From these values, analytics can provide values such as,but not limited to: average weekly motor current, average motor currentper cycle, longest cycle length, shortest cycle length, total number ofcycles, total pump run time, average power per week, and/or averagepower per cycle. In some embodiments, a user/homeowner can provideinputs via an internet enabled device (e.g., their smartphone), such asbut not limited to: clear fault, default settings, dry run delay time,dry run detection time, dry run enable/disable, excessive run timelimit, fault readings, pump control method, pump start/stop, motorservice factor amps, pump status, and power.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional system 2 for installing apiggy-back float switch 6 with a sump pump 4. As shown, the piggy-backfloat switch 6 includes a power plug 10, which can be inserted into astandard power outlet 12. Additionally, the sump pump 4 includes a powerplug 8, which can be inserted into a side of the power plug 10.Accordingly, the sump pump 4 “piggy-backs” off of the piggy-back floatswitch 6. In this way, the piggy-back float switch 6 can control theoperation of the sump pump 4, from a single power source. As furtherdetailed by FIG. 1, a conventional piggy-back float switch 6 can includea normally open (“NO”) relay 14. This enables the pump motor (sump pump4) to turn on (NO relay 14 closes), when the physical float reaches athreshold level, indicative of a high water level. Similarly, the pumpmotor can turn off (NO relay 14 opens), when the physical float reachesa threshold level, indicative of a low water level (such as when nowater is present). This operation is described below in further detail,with respect to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a conventional process 16 for operating asump pump using a float switch. As shown, process 16 includes providingpower (power on) at process block 18. Next, if the float switch is on(i.e., the result of decision block 20 is “Yes”), it is determined ifthe pump is running (decision block 24). If the pump is not running(i.e., the result of decision block 24 is “No”), then the pump is turnedon (process block 26). The process of checking the float switch statusat decision block 20 is then repeated. Alternatively, if the floatswitch is off (i.e., the result of decision block 20 is “No”), then thepump is turned off (process block 22), and the process of checking thefloat switch status at decision block 20 is then repeated.

FIG. 3 is a system 30 for installing a piggy-back float switch with asump pump, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Theinvention includes a sump pump power adapter (power adapter 34) that canbe configured to communicate between the piggy-back float switch 6 andthe sump pump 4, thus facilitating operational control of the sump pump4. Further, the power adapter 34 can be used to gather operational datafrom the piggy-back float switch 6 and/or the sump pump 4. In someembodiments, the power adapter 34 can send and receive informationto/from remote devices, such as a smartphone or computer.

As shown, the power adapter 34 can include a pump receptacle 38, as wellas a float switch receptacle 40. A housing 36 can be configured tosupport and contain a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments,the PCB can be electrically coupled to an integrated chip. Note thatalthough the power adapter 34 is described as including the integratedchip, this is merely an example, and any suitable type of hardwareprocessor or combination of hardware processors can be used to monitorand/or control the sump pump 4 and the float switch 6.

In some embodiments, the housing 36 can include an indicator 42 (e.g.,an LED indicator). In some embodiments, the power adapter 34 can havemultiple indicators, which can be configured to change based onoperating conditions. Further, in some embodiments, the housing 36 caninclude a manual input device (e.g., a push button, a selector switch, arecessed button, etc), which can be configured to initiate a factoryreset process, a manual pump operation process, and/or clear a fault.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the pump receptacle 38 can be configured toaccept the power plug 8. Insertion of the power plug 8 into the pumpreceptacle 38 can provide electrical power to the sump pump 4, as wellas place the sump pump 4 in electrical communication with the interiorPCB. Similarly, the switch receptacle 40 can be configured to accept thepower plug 10. Insertion of the power plug 10 into the switch receptacle40 can provide electrical power to the piggy-back float switch 6, aswell as place the piggy-back float switch 6 in electrical communicationwith the interior PCB. In some embodiments, the power adapter 34 canplug into the receptacles of a standard power outlet (e.g., outlet 12)via rear prongs (not shown). In this way, the power adapter 34 canselectively provide power to the sump pump 4 and the piggy-back floatswitch 6, the power supplied via a standard power outlet.

Notably, the power adapter 34 can be easily implemented in existingfloat switch systems. The invention alleviates any prior need for apiggy-back configuration. Accordingly, other types of float switches canbe used with the power adapter 34. As shown in FIG. 3, a pseudo-plug 32can be used to complete the circuit corresponding to the piggy-backfloat switch. In systems with other float switch types, however, thepseudo-plug 32 may not be used. The pseudo-plug 32 can be inserted intoreceptacles corresponding to the power plug 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an example embodiment of the power adapter 34is shown. In some embodiments, the housing 36 can include recessedportions that complement the pump receptacle 38 and/or the switchreceptacle 40. FIG. 4 further includes a rear prong 46. In someembodiments, three prongs can extend from the housing 36. The prongs canbe inserted into receptacles on a standard power outlet, for example.

Further, in some embodiments, a second indicator 44 can be provided inaddition to the indicator 42. Although shown positioned betweenreceptacles, the indicator 42 can be positioned elsewhere on the housing36. As one example, the indicator 42 can be positioned on a top surfaceof the housing 36, such that a user can view it when looking from above.In some embodiments, the indicator 42 can use varying colors or statusesto indicate different events. As one non-limiting example, theindicators 42, 44 can follow the colors/statuses shown in Table 1:

Event Color/Status Over Current (pump running) Yellow (blinking) OverCurrent (pump stopped) Yellow (solid) Locked Rotor Red (solid) ExcessiveRun Time (pump running) Yellow (blinking) Excessive Run Time (pumpstopped) Yellow (solid) Dry Run Red (solid) Current Sensor (pumprunning) Yellow (blinking) Current Sensor (pump stopped) Yellow (solid)Relay Red (solid) Float Switch (pump running) Yellow (blinking) FloatSwitch (pump stopped) Yellow (solid) High Water (pump running) Yellow(blinking) High Water (pump stopped) Red (blinking) Online/Offline (pumprunning) Yellow (blinking) Online/Offline (pump stopped) Yellow (solid)Home Power Lost Off (N/A) Firmware Update Green (blinking; predeterminedsequence)

Referring to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a communication network 50corresponding to the power adapter 34 is shown, according to someembodiments of the invention. As shown, the sump pump 4 can be incommunication with the power adapter 34. Similarly, the float switch 6can be in communication with the power adapter 34. As discussed above,the power adapter 34 can include an integrated chip (integrated chip52). The integrated chip 52 can be affixed to the internal PCB withinthe power adapter 34.

In some embodiments, the integrated chip (e.g., integrated chip 52) canbe configured to function as a host device, with hybrid Wi-Fi &Bluetooth functionality. Further, the integrated chip can operate inmultiple power modes (e.g., for low power consumption). In someembodiments, the integrated chip can include an antenna switch, RFbalun, power amplifier, low-noise receive amplifier, filters, and/orpower management modules.

In some embodiments, the integrated chip 52 can be configured to sendand receive data to/from a remote computing device (e.g., a server, amobile device, etc.). In some embodiments, the integrated chip 52 cancommunicate with the remote computing device using a router and/or modemthat provides a connection between a local area network (LAN) to whichthe integrated chip is connected and a wide area network (WAN), such asthe Internet. For example, the integrated chip 52 can be configured toconnect to a wireless LAN (e.g., a Wi-Fi network) via a wireless router,and the router can be connected to a WAN via a modem. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the integrated chip 52 can beconfigured to act as a modem that is capable of providing a connectionto a WAN without connecting first to a LAN. For example, the integratedchip 52 can be configured to act as a cellular modem that cancommunicate over a cellular network (e.g., a 3G network, a 4G network,etc., complying with any suitable standard, such as CDMA, GSM, LTE, LTEAdvanced, WiMAX, etc.), which can provide access to the Internet. Insuch an example, the integrated chip 52 can communicate with a remotecomputing device (e.g., a server, a mobile device, etc.) without beingconnected to a LAN.

As shown by FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the integrated chip 52 cancommunicate with a router/modem 54, which can communicate with acloud-based server 56. In some embodiments, the router/modem 54 caninclude any suitable combination of networking devices (e.g., one ormore wireless routers, one or more wired routers, one or more Ethernetswitches, one or more cable modems, one or more cellular modems, one ormore optical network terminals, etc.). Additionally or alternatively,the router/modem 54 can include one or more combined devices, such as acombined wireless router and cable modem. In some embodiments, therouter/modem 54 can include a standard, off-the-shelf router and/ormodem used for connecting to the Internet via an internet serviceprovider (ISP).

In some embodiments, the cloud-based server 56 can communicate with aninternet enabled device (e.g., user device 58) using any suitablenetwork or combination of networks. In some embodiments, the internetenabled device can be any suitable computing device that can communicatewith the cloud-based server 56 via any suitable network or combinationof networks. For example, the internet enabled device can be asmartphone, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a laptop computer, apersonal computer, a server computer, a virtual machine being executedby a physical computing device, a virtual personal assistant, a deviceproviding access to a virtual personal assistant (e.g., a smartspeaker), etc. As a non-limiting example, the internet enabled device isshown in FIG. 5 as the user device 58.

In some embodiments, the internet enabled device can communicate withthe cloud-based server 56 via a LAN (e.g., via a router/modem, such asthe router/modem 54, or a different router/modem that is locatedremotely from the router/modem 54 and is part of a different local areanetwork). In some embodiments, the power adapter 34 can send and receiveinformation (e.g., messages) to and from the internet enabled device(e.g., user device 58) via the cloud-based server 56. In someembodiments, the cloud-based server 56 can store data received from, ordirected to, the power adapter 34 for later access (e.g., by theinternet enabled device).

Note that in some embodiments, the power adapter 34 can connect to therouter/modem 54 via another device, such as a hub that coordinatescommunications between connected devices (e.g., Internet of thingsdevices) and a router. For example, such a hub can connect to one ormore connected devices via a ZigBee connection, and can receive messagesover a ZigBee mesh network from the power adapter 34 and relay thecontent of the message to a router in a format that is suitable fortransmission over the Internet (e.g., a message formatted in compliancewith TCP/IP).

In some embodiments, communications to and/or from the power adapter 34,the router/modem 54, the cloud based server 56, and/or the internetenabled device can be sent over a communication network, which can beany suitable communication network or combination of communicationnetworks. For example, the communication network can include a Wi-Finetwork (e.g., an 802.11x network, which can include one or morewireless routers, one or more switches, etc.), a peer-to-peer network(e.g., a Bluetooth network, a ZigBee® network, a Z-Wave® network, aproprietary RF connection, etc.), a cellular network (e.g., a 3Gnetwork, a 4G network, etc., complying with any suitable standard, suchas CDMA, GSM, LTE, LTE Advanced, WiMAX, etc.), a wired network, anEnOcean® network, etc. In some embodiments, the communication networkcan be a LAN, a WAN, a public network (e.g., the Internet), a private orsemi-private network (e.g., a corporate or university intranet), anyother suitable type of network, or any suitable combination of networks.Communications links between the power adapter 34, the router/modem 54,the cloud based server 56, and/or the internet enabled device can eachbe any suitable communications link or combination of communicationslinks, such as wired links, fiber optic links, Wi-Fi links, Bluetoothlinks, cellular links, etc.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a communication network 60 forcommunicating information to and/or from power adapter 34 to an internetenabled device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Insome embodiments, the integrated chip 52 can be positioned within thepower adapter 34, and can communicate with cloud based server 56 withoutthe use of a router/modem. For example, in some embodiments, theintegrated chip 52 can be configured to act as a cellular modem.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the integrated chip52 can communicate with the internet enabled device (e.g., user device58) directly (e.g., via a peer to peer connection such as a Bluetoothconnection, a ZigBee Connection, a Z-Wave connection, a Wi-Fi connectionin which the integrated chip and/or the internet enabled device acts asa discoverable node such as an ad hoc Wi-Fi connection or a Wi-Fi Directconnection, etc.) and/or indirectly (e.g., using a LAN, a WAN, theInternet, a combination of networks, using a mesh network such as a meshWi-Fi network, a mesh ZigBee network, a mesh Z-Wave network, etc.). Asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 5, the internet enabled devicecan communicate with the cloud based server 56 via any suitable networkor combination of networks. In some embodiments, the power adapter 34can send and receive information (e.g., messages) to and from theinternet enabled device (e.g., user device 58) via the cloud basedserver 56 or via a peer connection or mesh network.

In some embodiments the integrated chip/PCB described above cancoordinate operation of the float switch 6 and/or the sump pump 4, suchas by controlling a relay to selectively provide power to sump pump 4based on faults, user inputs, etc. Additionally or alternatively, insome embodiments, the integrated chip can monitor operation of the floatswitch 6 and/or the sump pump 4, for example, to determine whether afault has occurred, such as a loss of power to the sump pump 4. In someembodiments, the integrated chip can periodically (at regular and/orirregular intervals) provide information to the cloud based server 56.For example, the integrated chip can monitor operation and provideinformation related to the operation to the cloud based server 56 everyminute, every five minutes, every 15 minutes, every 30 minutes, everyhour, every 12 hours, once per day, etc. As another example, theintegrated chip can monitor operation and provide information related tothe operation to the cloud based server 56 when a particular conditionis met, such as when current falls below a particular threshold, whencurrent rises above a particular threshold, etc. In such an example, thepower adapter 34 can provide information related to operation to thecloud based server 56 when the condition is detected, when the conditionhas persisted for a particular length of time (e.g., one second, fiveseconds, one minute, etc.), or at any other suitable time. As yetanother example, the integrated chip can monitor operation and provideinformation related to the operation to the cloud based server 56 inresponse to a request from the cloud based server 56. In such anexample, a user interacting with cloud based server 56 can requeststatus information related to operation, and the cloud based server 56can request the information from the power adapter 34.

In some embodiments, the integrated chip can use one or more criteria toreduce the likelihood that the pump will be damaged due to short cyclingin which the pump is cycled between on and off relatively quickly. Forexample, the integrated chip can keep the sump pump 4 running for aminimum amount of time when it is turned on regardless of whether thewater level threshold has been reached. As another example, theintegrated chip can keep the sump pump 4 off for a minimum amount oftime after it has interrupted power to the sump pump 4 regardless ofwhether the water level threshold has been reached. As yet anotherexample, the integrated chip can limit the number of times the sump pump4 is cycled between on and off in a particular time period (e.g., everyhour).

In some embodiments, the cloud based server 56 can store the receiveddata in a location associated with the power adapter 34 (e.g., in aparticular table, in connection with a particular address, etc.).Additionally or alternatively, the cloud based server 56 can store thedata in a location associated with a particular user account associatedwith the power adapter 34. In some embodiments, the cloud based server56 can store any suitable number of records, such as a particular numberof most recent current readings (e.g., 50, 100, 1,000, etc.), powerconsumption for a particular recent time period (e.g., over the lastday, week, month, year, etc.), a particular number of recent faults thathave occurred (e.g., twenty, 50, 100, etc.). Note that although cloudbased server 56 is described herein as being a cloud server, this ismerely an example, and actions described as being performed by cloudbased server 56 can be performed by a physical server that is undercontrol of a service provider associated with the power adapter 34. Notethat the configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are not mutuallyexclusive, as the integrated chip 52 can be configured to communicateboth via a LAN and via a cellular modem.

In some embodiments, a user can create a user account by accessing thecloud based server 56 from the internet enabled device, and canassociate the power adapter 34 with the account. In some embodiments,the power adapter 34 can provide status information to the cloud basedserver 56, and the user can access information associated with the useraccount from any suitable internet enabled device, which may or may notbe the same device that was used to create the account.

As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the internet enabled device can be a smartphone(e.g., user device 58). In some embodiments, a user can install anapplication on the smartphone, allowing the user to access informationassociated with the user account administered by the cloud based server56. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a user can usean internet browser installed on the smartphone to access a web pagethrough which the user can use to access information associated with theuser account administered by the cloud based server 56.

In some embodiments, a user can cause the internet enabled device tosearch for Bluetooth connections, and can select an available devicethat corresponds to the power adapter 34 and/or the sump pump 4. Asanother example, the power adapter 34, when initially powered on (e.g.,from an off state), can establish itself as a node in a peer-to-peerWi-Fi network (e.g., an ad hoc Wi-Fi network or a Wi-Fi Directconnection) that accepts appropriate connection requests, and the poweradapter 34 may be configured to broadcast a particular service setidentifier (SSID) and/or require a particular password that arepreconfigured (e.g., from an EEPROM). The user can select theappropriate SSID and enter a password to connect directly to the poweradapter 34 over a Wi-Fi connection. In such an example, thepreconfigured SSID and password may be included in a label applied tothe power adapter 34, on packaging in which the power adapter 34 waspackaged, in literature accompanying the power adapter 34, and/or can becommunicated using any other suitable technique. In such an example, thepower adapter 34 can act as a node in a wireless ad-hoc network until itestablishes a Wi-Fi connection with a wireless access point (e.g., arouter), or until a particular period of time has elapsed (e.g., 15minutes, 30 minutes, etc.). Additionally, in such an example, the poweradapter 34 can have a user input (e.g., a hardware button or switch)that, when activated, causes the power adapter 34 to act as adiscoverable node in a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network. As yet anotherexample, the power adapter 34 can be configured to accept newconnections as part of a mesh network, such as a ZigBee network, aZ-Wave network, an EnOcean network, etc., and the user can utilize anapplication installed on the internet enabled device to add the poweradapter 34 to an existing mesh network (e.g., including a hub), or toestablish a connection directly with the power adapter 34.

In some embodiments, prior to establishing the connection, the user can(or may be required to) download an application that can be used toconfigure the power adapter 34. For example, a manufacturer,distributor, seller, and/or service provider associated with the poweradapter 34 can provide an application that can be used to configure thepower adapter 34. As another example, a third party can provide anapplication that can be used to configure the power adapter 34 (e.g., aprovider of an application and/or system for managing connecteddevices). Additionally or alternatively, prior to establishing theconnection, the user can (or may be required to) visit a particular webpage that can be used to configure the power adapter 34. Such a web pagecan be a web page manufacturer, distributor, seller, and/or serviceprovider associated with the power adapter 34. Additionally oralternatively, the web page can be a web page that is associated withthe power adapter 34 that is to be configured (e.g., the web address canbe uniquely identified with the particular power adapter 34). In someembodiments, when a connection is established with the power adapter 34,the power adapter 34 can prompt the user to download an appropriateapplication, or visit a particular web page, for configuring the poweradapter 34.

In some embodiments, the power adapter 34 can be configured withoutrequiring the user to establish a local connection to the power adapter34. For example, if the power adapter 34 is implemented with a cellularmodem, the user can download an application and/or visit a web page toconfigure the power adapter 34, and information can be provided to thepower adapter 34 using a connection established by the cellular modem.

In some embodiments, a connection can be established between an internetenabled device and a service provided by the manufacturer, distributor,seller, or service provider associated with the power adapter 34, or bya third party. For example, the service can be provided by the cloudbased server 56, which can register a user account, associate a poweradapter 34 and/or sump pump 4 with the user account, collect informationfrom the power adapter 34 and/or sump pump 4 associated with the useraccount, provide information and/or alerts to the user associated withthe user account, receive instructions from the user through theservice, send instructions to the power adapter 34 and/or sump pump 4,send information to someone authorized by the user (e.g., a techniciansuch as a plumber, the manufacturer, distributor, seller, and/or serviceprovider associated with the power adapter 34 and/or sump pump 4, etc.).

In some embodiments, the internet enabled device can download, install,and/or execute an application that can be used to configure the poweradapter 34, and can create a user account within the application, or theinternet enabled device can be directed by the application to load a webpage that can be used to create a user account. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the internet enabled device can loada web page that can be used to configure the power adapter 34, and/orcan be used to create a user account. In some embodiments, a user canregister the power adapter 34 (e.g., through an application and/or webpage), and can create a user account when registering the power adapter34. In some embodiments, a user can register multiple residentialdevices with a given user account, which may include devices other thanpower adapters and/or sump pumps. In some embodiments, a user can accessinformation stored in the cloud based server 56 by logging in to theuser account. In some embodiments, a user account can be associated withany suitable information. For example, the user account can beassociated with information about the user, such as contact information(e.g., address information, one or more e-mail addresses, one or morephone numbers, etc.). As another example, the user account can beassociated with information (e.g., a list) identifying devicesassociated with the user account. As yet another example, the useraccount can be associated with maintenance information. In a particularexample, the user account can be associated with information about thesump pump 4 and/or the float switch 6 , such as a pump size, a pumptype, a pump setting, a basin depth, etc., which may assist a technicianif maintenance is required. In some embodiments, the informationcorresponding to the sump pump 4 and/or float switch 6 may beautomatically determined once the “device” is identified by theapplication.

In some embodiments, the user can register the power adapter 34 byproviding information about the power adapter 34, such as such as amodel number(s), a serial number(s), information about where the poweradapter 34 was purchased (an online retailer, a distributor, a big boxstore, after market, etc.), installer information, etc.

In some embodiments, information provided when registering a poweradapter 34 can be used to provide analytic information to amanufacturer, distributor, seller, and/or service provider associatedwith the power adapter 34. For example, the provided information can beaccessed by customer support personnel, facilitating faster and/or moreaccurate diagnosis of a given problem, dispatch of replacement parts,and/or dispatch of service personnel.

In some embodiments, the user can configure when to send alerts to theuser, how to send such alerts (e.g., by email, text message, pushnotification, etc.), a maximum number of alerts to send with aparticular period of time (e.g., one every twenty four hours), for whichconditions to send alerts to the user, etc.

In some embodiments, the power adapter 34 can include any suitablememory (not shown), which can include any suitable storage device ordevices that can be used to store instructions, values, etc., that canbe used, for example, by a hardware processor (e.g., the integratedchip) to control operation, to monitor operation, to communicateinformation to the cloud based server 56, etc. For example, memory caninclude any suitable volatile memory, non-volatile memory, storage, orany suitable combination thereof. For example, the memory can includeRAM, ROM, EEPROM, one or more flash drives, one or more hard disks, oneor more solid state drives, one or more optical drives, etc. In someembodiments, the memory can have encoded thereon a computer program forcontrolling operation of a hardware processor (e.g., the integratedchip) in the form of computer-executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the hardware processor, cause a controller comprising thehardware processor to perform one or more actions as indicated by theinstructions. For example, in some such embodiments, the integrated chipcan execute at least a portion of the computer program to controloperation of the sump pump 4 based on signals received from the floatswitch 6, to monitor operation, to transmit information to the cloudbased server 56, etc.

In some embodiments, the power adapter 34 can include energy storage(not shown), such as a battery, an ultracapacitor, a fuel cell, etc. Insome embodiments, the integrated chip can use power from the energystorage to continue to operate (e.g., to send information related to thestatus of the sump pump 4 and the float switch 6) when the standardpower source (e.g., an outlet) is interrupted. This can be beneficial insituations such as residential power outages, where the operation of thesump pump 4 is still desired.

In some embodiments, the power adapter 34 can receive one or moreinstructions or commands from a server and/or an internet enableddevice, and can change operation of the sump pump 4 and/or float switch6 based on the received one or more instructions. For example, if afault has occurred, a user can access a user interface provided by aservice provider (e.g., via a web page loaded by the internet enableddevice, an application being executed by the internet enabled device,via a virtual personal assistant, via an application program interface(API), etc.), and can select one or more instructions to be carried out.In a more particular example, the user can instruct the power adapter 34to reset, to turn off the pump, to turn on the pump, to clear an alert,to clear a fault, etc. In some embodiments, instructions can be sentfrom an internet enabled device to the power adapter 34 without beingsent first to the cloud based server 56 (although the instructions maypass through one or more servers while being routed from the internetenabled device to the power adapter 34).

FIGS. 7-15 show example processes for controlling operation of the sumppump 4, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Notably,data processing and analytics regarding the sump pump 4 and the floatswitch 6 can be performed by the cloud based server 56.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a process 62 for controlling operation of thesump pump 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.Specifically, process 62 can control and monitor the sump pump 4 in viewof overcurrent conditions.

Process 62 is shown to include turning on the pump (e.g., sump pump 4)at process block 64. Next, process 62 determines if the pump is on andif the motor is operating at its service factor load (service factoramps—SFA), at decision block 66. If the pump is on and if the motor isoperating at its service factor load (i.e., the output of decision block66 is “Yes”), then process 62 is shown to include determining if thepump has been on for a period of time greater than “X” seconds (decisionblock 68). In some embodiments, “X” can be any predefined time value. Ifthe pump has been on for a period of time greater than “X” seconds(i.e., the output of decision block 68 is “Yes”), then process 62 isshown to include determining if the motor current is greater than anover current value (decision block 70). If the motor current is notgreater than an over current value (i.e., the output of decision block70 is “No”), then the over current counter can be reset to zero (processblock 80). Alternatively, if the motor current is greater than an overcurrent value (i.e., the output of decision block 70 is “Yes”), then theover current counter can be incremented (process block 72). Process 62is shown to further include determining if the over current countervalue is greater than “X.” In some embodiments, “X” can be anypredefined count value. If the over current counter is greater than “X”(i.e., the output of decision block 74 is “Yes”), then the over currentfault status can be set (process block 76). Subsequently, the pump canbe turned off (process block 78). Process 62 is then shown to return todecision block 66.

Returning to decision block 66, if the pump is on and the motor is notoperating at its service factor load (i.e., the output of decision block66 is “No”), then process 62 is shown to include determining is acommand has been received to clear the fault (decision block 82). Insome embodiments, this command can come from the internet enabled device(e.g., the user device 58), as shown and described above, with respectto FIGS. 5-6. If a command to clear the fault has been received (i.e.,the output of decision block 82 is “Yes”), then the over current faultstatus can be cleared (process block 84). Subsequently, process 62 canreturn to process block 64, and the pump can be turned on.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a process 86 for controlling operation of thesump pump 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.Specifically, process 86 can control and monitor the sump pump 4 in viewof locked rotor conditions.

Process 86 is shown to include turning on the pump (e.g., sump pump 4)at process block 88. Next, process 86 determines if the pump is on andif the motor is operating at its service factor load (service factoramps—SFA), at decision block 90. If the pump is on and if the motor isoperating at its service factor load (i.e., the output of decision block90 is “Yes”), then process 86 is shown to include determining if thepump has been on for a period of time less than “X” seconds (decisionblock 92). In some embodiments, “X” can be any predefined time value. Ifthe pump has been on for a period of time less than “X” seconds (i.e.,the output of decision block 92 is “Yes”), then process 86 is shown toinclude determining if the motor current is greater than an over currentvalue (decision block 94). If the motor current is not greater than anover current value (i.e., the output of decision block 94 is “No”), thenthe over current counter can be reset to zero (process block 104).Alternatively, if the motor current is greater than an over currentvalue (i.e., the output of decision block 94 is “Yes”), then the overcurrent counter can be incremented (process block 96). Process 86 isshown to further include determining if the over current counter valueis greater than “X.” In some embodiments, “X” can be any predefinedcount value. If the over current counter is greater than “X” (i.e., theoutput of decision block 98 is “Yes”), then the locked rotor faultstatus can be set (process block 100). Subsequently, the pump can beturned off (process block 102). Process 86 is then shown to return todecision block 90.

Returning to decision block 90, if the pump is on and the motor is notoperating at its service factor load (i.e., the output of decision block90 is “No”), then process 86 is shown to include determining if acommand has been received to clear the fault (decision block 106). Insome embodiments, this command can come from the internet enabled device(e.g., the user device 58), as shown and described above, with respectto FIGS. 5-6. If a command to clear the fault has been received (i.e.,the output of decision block 106 is “Yes”), then the locked rotor faultstatus can be cleared (process block 108). Subsequently, process 86 canreturn to process block 88, and the pump can be turned on.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a process 110 for controlling operation ofthe sump pump 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.Specifically, process 110 can control and monitor the sump pump 4 inview of run time limits.

As shown, process 110 can include, at process block 112, providing powerto the power adapter (e.g., power adapter 34). Next, at decision block114, process 110 is shown to include determining if the float switch(e.g., float switch 6) is on. If the float switch is on, then process110 is shown to include, at process block 116, turning on the sump pump(e.g., sump pump 4). Next, at decision block 118, process 110 candetermine if the sump pump on time has exceeded a maximum run timelimit. In some embodiments, the maximum run time limit can be anypredetermined time value. If the sump pump on time has exceeded themaximum run time limit, then the sump pump can be turned off at processblock 120, and the excessive run time fault can be set. Process 110 isshown to further include, at decision block 122, determining if acommand to clear the fault has been received. If the command to clearthe fault has been received at decision block 122, than process 110 isshown to include clearing the excessive run time fault at process block124, prior to again determining the state of the float switch.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a process 126 for controlling operation ofthe sump pump 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.Specifically, process 126 can control and monitor the sump pump 4 inview of dry run conditions.

As shown, process 126 can include providing power to the power adapterat process block 128 (e.g., power adapter 34). Next, process 126 isshown to include determining if the float switch (e.g., float switch 6)is on at decision block 130. If the float switch is on, then process 126is shown to include turning on the sump pump (e.g., sump pump 4) atprocess block 132. Next, process 126 can determine if dry run is enabledat decision block 134. If dry run is enabled, then process 126 is shownto include determining if a power factor is less than 0.77× for a dryrun detect time at decision block 136. In some embodiments, “X,” the dryrun detect time, and the multiplier can be any predetermined values. Ifthe power factor is less than 0.77× for the dry run detect time, thenthe pump can be turned off and the dry run fault can be set at processblock 138. Process 126 is shown to include determining if the pump hasbeen off longer than a dry run delay limit at decision block 140. Insome embodiments, the dry run delay limit can be any predeterminedvalue. If the pump has been off longer than the dry run delay limit,then the dry run retry count can be incremented at process block 142.Next, process 126 is shown to include determining if the dry run retrycount is less than or equal to the number of restarts at decision block144. If the dry run retry count is less than or equal to the number ofrestarts, then the dry run fault can be cleared , and the status of thefloat switch can be checked again. Alternatively, if the dry run retrycount is greater than the number of restarts, then process 126 is shownto include determining is a command to clear the fault has been receivedat decision block 146. If the command to clear the fault has beenreceived, then the dry run retry count can be reset to zero at processblock 148, and the dry run fault can be cleared at process block 150. Asshown, process 126 can again check the status of the float switch.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a process 152 for controlling operation ofthe sump pump 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.Specifically, process 152 can control and monitor the sump pump 4 inview of motor current.

As shown, process 152 can include providing power to the power adapter(e.g., power adapter 34) at process block 154. Next, process 152 isshown to include determining if the float switch (e.g., float switch 6)is on at decision block 156. If the float switch is on, then process 152is shown to include turning on the sump pump (e.g., sump pump 4) atprocess block 158. Next, process 152 can determine if the sump pumpmotor current is less than 100 mA after ten seconds at decision block160. In some embodiments, these current and time threshold values can bedifferent. If the sump pump motor current is not less than 100 mA afterten seconds, then the current sensor fault can be cleared at processblock 162. Alternatively, if the sump pump motor current is less than100 mA after ten seconds, then the pump can be turned off, and thecurrent sensor fault can be set. Next, process 152 can determine if acommand to clear the fault has been received at decision block 164. If acommand to clear the fault has been received, then the current sensorfault can be cleared at process block 166.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a process 168 for controlling operation ofthe sump pump 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.Specifically, process 168 can control and monitor the sump pump 4 inview of relay operation.

As shown, process 168 can include providing power to the power adapter(e.g., power adapter 34) at process block 170. Next, the sump pump isturned on at process block 172. Process 168 is shown to includedetermining if the switch/relay is closed (e.g., NO relay 14) atdecision block 174. If the relay is closed, then the pump can be turnedoff at process block 176. Next, process 168 is shown to includedetermining if the motor current is greater than 300 mA after tenseconds at decision block 178. In some embodiments, these current andtime threshold values can be different. If the motor current is notgreater than 300 mA after ten seconds, then the relay fault can becleared. Alternatively, if the motor current is greater than 300 mAafter ten seconds, then the pump can be turned off and the relay faultcan be set at process block 180. Next, process 168 is shown to includedetermining if a command to clear the fault has been received atdecision block 182. If a command to clear the fault has been received,then the relay fault can be cleared at process block 184. Process 168can then again determine the position of the relay.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a process 186 for controlling operation ofthe sump pump 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.Specifically, process 186 can control and monitor the sump pump 4 inview of pump faults.

As shown, process 186 can include providing power at process block 188.Next, process 186 determines if the relay is closed at decision block190. If the relay is closed, then process 186 is shown to includedetermining if the sump pump is on at decision block 192. If the sumppump is on, then the pump fault can be cleared at process block 198. Ifthe sump pump is not on, then the pump fault is set at process block194. Next, process 186 is shown to include determining if a command toclear the fault has been received at decision block 196. If a command toclear the fault has been received, then the pump fault can be cleared atprocess block 198. Process 186 can then again determine the position ofthe relay.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a process 200 for controlling operation ofthe sump pump 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.Specifically, process 200 can control and monitor the sump pump 4 inview of float switch faults. In some embodiments, a second switch can beconfigured to turn on/off in response to a “high water” condition (e.g.,an optional secondary float switch coupled to high water switchterminals that will be described below that can detect when a waterlevel reaches a predetermined height, which can indicate a potentialflood condition).

As shown, process 200 can include providing power at process block 202.Next, process 200 determines if the relay is closed at decision block204. If the relay is open, then process 200 is shown to includedetermining if the second switch is on at decision block 206. If thesecond switch is not on, then the float switch fault can be cleared . Ifthe second switch is on, then the float switch fault can be set atprocess block 208. Process 200 is shown to include determining if acommand has been received to clear the fault at decision block 210. If acommand to clear the fault has been received, then the float switchfault can be cleared at process block 212. Process 200 can then againdetermine the position of the relay.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a process 214 for controlling operation ofthe sump pump 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.Specifically, process 214 can control and monitor the sump pump 4 inview of high water faults. As described above, some embodiments caninclude a second switch configured to detect high water conditions.

As shown, process 214 can include providing power at process block 216.Next, process 214 determines if the relay is closed at decision block218. If the relay is closed, then process 214 is shown to includedetermining if the second switch is closed at decision block 220. If thesecond switch is open, then the high water fault can be cleared. If thesecond switch is closed, then the high water fault can be set at processblock 222. Process 214 is shown to include determining if a command hasbeen received to clear the fault at decision block 224. If a command toclear the fault has been received, then the high water fault can becleared at process block 226. Process 214 can then again determine theposition of the relay.

Referring now to FIGS .3-6 as well as FIGS. 16-19, an embodiment of apower adapter 300 in accordance with various aspects of the invention isshown. The power adapter 300 can include at least a portion of thecomponents included in the power adapter 34 described above, as well asperform at least a portion of the functions and/or processes that thepower adapter 34 can perform as described above. The power adapter 300can include a housing 304 configured to support and contain a printedcircuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the PCB can be electricallycoupled to an integrated chip (e.g., integrated chip 52 describedabove). The PCB and integrated chip can be referred to as a controller.Note that although the power adapter 300 is described as including theintegrated chip, this is merely an example, and any suitable type ofhardware processor or combination of hardware processors can be used tomonitor and/or control the sump pump 4 and the float switch 6. Theintegrated chip and PCB can be coupled to one or more sensors containedwithin the housing 304 and configured to monitor operation of the pump4, such as a current sensor configured to sense an amount of powersupplied to the pump 4. The integrated chip can be placed incommunication with a user device such as the user device 58.

The power adapter 300 can include a pump receptacle 308 configured toaccept the power plug 8. The pump receptacle 308 can include threeterminals for an AC pump. Insertion of the power plug 8 into the pumpreceptacle 38 can provide electrical power to the sump pump 4, as wellas place the sump pump 4 in electrical communication with the interiorPCB. Similarly, the power adapter 300 can include a switch receptacle312 configured to accept the power plug 10. The switch receptacle 312can include three terminals. Insertion of the power plug 10 into theswitch receptacle 312 can provide electrical power to the piggy-backfloat switch 6, as well as place the piggy-back float switch 6 inelectrical communication with the interior PCB. In some embodiments, thepower adapter 300 can plug into the receptacles of a standard poweroutlet (e.g., outlet 12) via rear prongs 332. In this way, the poweradapter 300 can selectively provide power to the sump pump 4 and thepiggy-back float switch 6, the power supplied via a standard poweroutlet.

The housing 304 can include an indicator 324 (e.g., an LED indicator)configured to operate with various colors similar to the indicators 42and/or 44 as described above. The housing 304 can also include a manualinput device 320. While depicted as a pushbutton, the manual inputdevice 324 can also be a selector switch, a recessed button, etc.configured to initiate a factory reset process, a manual pump operationprocess, and/or clear a fault. The manual input device 320 could also beused to activate a local mode of the power adapter in which the poweradapter 300 communicates directly with a smartphone or other user deviceover a Bluetooth or direct WiFi connection.

The pump can also include supplementary terminals 316 for a secondswitch (i.e. a high water switch). The terminals can be coupled to ahigh water sensor (not shown) with a two wire connection interface. Thehigh water sensor can be used as the second switch in the processes 200and 214 described above.

The housing 300 can include a mounting hole 328 configured to allow auser to attach the power adapter 300 to a wall outlet. Morespecifically, the mounting hole 328 can be sized and positioned andoriented to allow a user to insert a screw 352 into a duplex wall outlet(not shown) covered by a cover plate 348. The duplex wall outletincludes two receptacles. The screw 352 can be inserted through themounting hole 328 and the cover plate 348 and screwed into threadsincluded in the duplex wall outlet. The screw 352 can then hold thepower adapter 300 and the cover plate 348 securely to the duplex walloutlet.

A tab extension 336 can be used with a screw 340 to attach the poweradapter 300 to a simplex wall outlet (not shown) covered by a coverplate 344. The simplex outlet includes a single receptacle. The tabextension 336 can be inserted into the mounting hole 328 and the screw340 can be inserted through a secondary mounting hole in the tabextension in order to fasten the power adapter 300 and the cover plate344 to the simplex wall outlet. The secondary mounting hole can beoriented to accept the screw 340 for insertion into the simplex walloutlet to affix the power adapter 300 to the simplex wall outlet. Thetab extension 336 and the mounting hole 328 provide a durable and costeffective method to securely fasten the power adapter 300 to either asimplex or duplex wall outlet.

Referring now to FIG. 20, an exemplary process 400 for determining atime value for running the pump 4 after the float switch 6 has beenturned off in order to reduce a number of motor starts for the pump 4 isshown. The process 400 can reduce the number of motor starts by allowingthe pump 4 to evacuate water that may still be present even after thefloat switch 6 has turned off. A controller included in the poweradapter (e.g., the power adapter 34 and/or 300) can be configured toexecute the process 400.

At 404, the process 400 can determine that the float switch 6 is on. Asdescribed above, the float switch can be coupled to a power adapter suchas the power adapter 300. The process 400 can then proceed to 408.

At 408, the process 400 can provide power to the pump 4. The process 400can then proceed to 412.

At 412, the process 400 can sense a current provided to the pump 4. Thecurrent can be sensed using a current sensor positioned within the poweradapter. The process 400 can continuously sense the current. In someembodiments, another value can be sensed, such as power supplied to thepump 4. The process 400 can then proceed to 414.

At 414, the process 400 can determine whether or not the float switch isoff. The process 400 can then proceed to 416.

At 416, if the process 400 determined that the float switch 6 is off(e.g., “YES” at 416), the process 400 can proceed to 418. If the process400 determined that the float switch 6 is not off (e.g., “NO” at 416),the process 400 can proceed to 414.

At 418, the process 400 can determine whether or not the current isbelow a predetermined threshold value. In embodiments that sense adifferent electrical value at 412, such as embodiments that sense powersupplied to the pump 4, the process 400 can determine the electricalvalue is below a predetermined threshold value. The predeterminedthreshold value can correspond to the current used by the pump whenrunning but not pumping water (e.g., running dry). In this way, theprocess 400 can determine when the pump 4 is actually done evacuatingout water. The process 400 can then proceed to 420.

At 420, if the process 400 determined that the current is below thepredetermined threshold value (e.g., “YES” at 420) the process 400 canproceed to 424. If the process 400 determined that current is not belowthe predetermined threshold value (e.g., “NO” at 420), the process 400can proceed to 418.

At 424, the process 400 can determine a time value that has elapsedbetween the determining that the float switch is off at step 420 and thedetermining that the current is below a threshold value at step 420. Insome embodiments, the process 400 can start a timer when the floatswitch has been determined to be off and stop the timer once the currenthas been determined to be below the predetermined threshold value. Theprocess 400 can then proceed to 428.

At 428, the process 400 can output the time value or save the time valuein a memory to be used to run the pump 4 as will be described below.

Referring now to FIG. 20 as well as FIG. 21, an exemplary process 500for controlling or operating the pump 4 based on the time valuedetermined using process 400 is shown. Operating the pump 4 based on thetime value, and more specifically providing power to the pump 4 for theduration of the time value after the float switch 6 has opened, canreduce the number of starts of the pump motor and potentially increasethe lifetime of the pump 4. A controller included in the power adapter(e.g., the power adapter 34 and/or 300) can be configured to execute theprocess 500.

At 504, the process 500 can determine the float switch 6 is on. Theprocess 500 can then proceed to 508.

At 508, the process 500 can provide power to the pump 4. The process 500can then proceed to 512.

At 512, the process 500 can determine whether or not the float switch isoff. The process 400 can then proceed to 416.

At 516, if the process 500 determined that the float switch 6 is off(e.g., “YES” at 516), the process 500 can proceed to 520. If the process500 determined that the float switch 6 is not off (e.g., “NO” at 516),the process 400 can proceed to 518.

At 518, the process 500 can continue supplying power to the pump 4. Theprocess 500 can then proceed to 512.

At 520, the process 500 can continue supplying power to the pump 4 untilan amount of time equal to the time value has passed since thedetermining that the float switch is off at step 516. As mentionedabove, the time value can be determined previously using the process400. In some embodiments, the process 500 can start a countdown timerinitialized with the time value at 516 and determine the amount of timeequal to the time value has passed when the countdown timer expires. Theprocess 500 can then proceed to 524.

At 524, the process 500 can cease supplying power to the pump 4. Theprocess 500 can then end.

Referring now to FIG. 22, an exemplary process 600 for performing healthtest on the pump 4 is shown. The results of the test can be provided tothe homeowner (e.g., via a smartphone). The health test can be performedon an automated schedule, and/or when the homeowner requests a newhealth test. In some embodiments, the power adapter (e.g. power adapter34 and/or 300) can measure operational values such as, but not limitedto: instantaneous motor current, peak motor current, cycle time, numberof cycles, pump run time, power factor, and/or voltage. From thesevalues, analytics can provide values such as, but not limited to:average weekly motor current, average motor current per cycle, longestcycle length, shortest cycle length, total number of cycles, total pumprun time, average power per week, and/or average power per cycle. Insome embodiments, a user/homeowner can provide inputs via an interneenabled device (e.g., their smartphone), such as but not limited to:clear fault, default settings, dry run delay time, dry run detectiontime, dry run enable/disable, excessive run time limit, fault readings,pump control method, pump start/stop, motor service factor amps, pumpstatus, and power. A controller included in the power adapter (e.g., thepower adapter 34 and/or 300) can be configured to execute at least aportion of the process 600, while certain steps may be executed by aserver and/or user device.

At 604, the process 600 can receive a request for performing the healthtest from a user or a monitoring process. The monitoring process can beused to monitor the power adaptor and can be run as an automated processon a server located remotely from the power adapter. The monitoringprocess may regularly (e.g., on a scheduled basis) perform health tests.In some embodiments, the monitoring process can request the health testto be performed at variable intervals. For example, the monitoringprocess can increase the time between subsequent health tests, i.e. onemonth between a first health test and a second health test, two monthsbetween the second health test and a third health test, etc. The process600 can then proceed to 608.

At 608, the process can run the pump 4 for a predetermined time period.The time period can be long enough to take sufficient operational datain order to assess how well the pump is running. The operational datacan be generated by sensors onboard the power adapter. The process 600can then proceed to 612.

At 612, the process 600 can receive operational data from the poweradapter. The operational data can include average weekly motor current,average motor current per cycle, longest cycle length, shortest cyclelength, total number of cycles, total pump run time, average power perweek, average power per cycle, power factor, cycles between the lasthealth test, the time of one or more health tests, voltage, and/or otheroperational parameters measured by the power adapter. The operationaldata can also include data derived during step 608 such as power factor,current drawn, and/or voltage. The process 600 can then proceed to 616.

At 616, the process 600 can generate a health test report based on theoperational data received at 612. The health test report can include oneor more graphs or charts indicating the results of the test. Raw data(e.g., unformatted numbers) may be included in the report. In someembodiments, the report can include recommendations to help a userbetter run the pump 4 and/or maintenance that may need to be performedon the pump. The report can also include dealer information about one ormore dealers closest to the location of the user so that the user canobtain parts and/or service for the pump 4. The process 600 can thenproceed to 620.

At 620, the process 600 can output the health test report to the userdevice. The process 600 can then end.

Although the invention is generally directed to a power adapter used inconnection with a sump pump system used in a home, this is merely forillustrative purposes, and the power adapter can be used in othercontexts. Additionally, although the disclosure is generally directed toa power adapter, one or more aspects of the invention can be in othertypes of devices that relate to pump control.

In some embodiments, any suitable computer readable media can be usedfor storing instructions for performing the functions and/or processesdescribed herein. For example, in some embodiments, computer readablemedia can be transitory or non-transitory. For example, non-transitorycomputer readable media can include media such as magnetic media (suchas hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical media (such as compactdiscs, digital video discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), semiconductor media(such as RAM, Flash memory, electrically programmable read only memory(EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM),etc.), any suitable media that is not fleeting or devoid of anysemblance of permanence during transmission, and/or any suitabletangible media. As another example, transitory computer readable mediacan include signals on networks, in wires, conductors, optical fibers,circuits, and any other suitable media that is fleeting and devoid ofany semblance of permanence during transmission, and/or any suitableintangible media.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while theinvention has been described above in connection with particularembodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited,and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications anddepartures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to beencompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of eachpatent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as ifeach such patent or publication were individually incorporated byreference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention areset forth in the following claims.

As used herein and in the appended claims, unless otherwise specified orlimited, “at least one of A, B, and C,” and similar other phrases, aremeant to indicate A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and/or C.As such, this phrase, and similar other phrases can include single ormultiple instances of A, B, and/or C, and, in the case that any of A, B,and/or C indicates a category of elements, single or multiple instancesof any of the elements of the categories A, B, and/or C.

1. A system for monitoring operation of a sump pump via a remote server,the system comprising: a power adapter, comprising: a housing; acontroller positioned within the housing and configured to executecomputer-readable instructions, the controller establishingcommunication with the remote server via a first wireless connection toa first wireless network; prongs extending away from the housing and inelectrical communication with components coupled to the controller, theprongs configured to receive electric power from electric power inputs;a first receptacle positioned on the housing and configured to accept afloat-switch input and electrically connect the float-switch input tothe controller and the electric power inputs; and a second receptaclepositioned on the housing and configured to accept a sump pump input ofthe sump pump and electrically connect the sump pump input to thecontroller and the electric power inputs, the controller executing thecomputer-readable instructions to: (i) determine that a float switchelectrically coupled to the power adapter at the first receptacle is on;(ii) provide power to the sump pump; (iii) sense a current provided tothe sump pump; (iv) determine that the float switch is off; (v)determine that the current is below a threshold value; (vi) determine atime value that has elapsed between the determining that the floatswitch is off and the determining that the current is below thethreshold value; and (vii) control the pump based on the time value. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a mounting holeoriented to accept a screw for insertion into a duplex wall outlet toaffix the power adapter to the duplex outlet.
 3. The system of claim 2further comprising a tab extension comprising a second mounting hole andbeing configured to be inserted into the mounting hole, the secondmounting hole being configured to accept a screw for insertion into asimplex wall outlet to affix the power adapter to the simplex outlet. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the power adapter further comprises aterminal comprising two contactors configured to couple to a high watersensor.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the second receptaclecomprises three terminals.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein to controlthe pump based on the time value, the controller performs a methodcomprising: (a) determining that the float switch is on; (b) providingpower to the sump pump; (c) determining that the float switch is off;(d) continuing to provide power to the sump pump for an amount of timeequal to the time value has passed since the determining that the floatswitch is off at step (c); and (e) ceasing to provide power to the sumppump.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein power adapter is configured tocommunicate with a user device and receive a request for a health testfrom the user device.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein to perform thehealth test the controller performs a method comprising: running thesump pump for a predetermined time period; receiving operational datafrom the power adapter; generating a health test report based on theoperational data; and outputting the health test report to the userdevice.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the health test reportcomprises recommendations to help a user better run the sump pump. 10.The system of claim 1, wherein the power adapter further comprises: anindicator light positioned on a front face of the power adapter; and apushbutton positioned on the front face of the power adapter, andwherein the pushbutton is configured to activate a local mode of thepower adapter.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the power adaptercommunicates directly with a user device over a Bluetooth or direct WiFiconnection during the local mode.
 12. The system of claim 10, whereinthe pushbutton is further configured to initiate a manual pump operationprocess.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the power adaptor isconfigured to communicate with a monitoring process and receive arequest for a health test from the monitoring process.
 14. A system formonitoring operation of a float-switch controlled sump pump via a remoteserver, the system comprising: a power adapter, comprising: a housing; acontroller positioned within the housing and configured to executecomputer readable instructions, to establish a first wireless connectionto a first wireless network and to transmit a message to a remote serverover the first wireless network; prongs extending away from the housingand in electrical communication with components coupled to thecontroller, the prongs configured to receive electric power fromelectric power inputs; a first receptacle positioned on the housing andconfigured to accept a float-switch input, the float-switch input inelectrical communication with the printed circuit board upon insertioninto the first receptacle; and a second receptacle positioned on thehousing and configured to accept a sump pump input, the sump pump inputin electrical communication with the printed circuit board uponinsertion into the second receptacle, wherein controller is furtherconfigured to (a) determine that the float switch is on; (b) providepower to the sump pump; (c) determine that the float switch is off; (d)continue to provide power to the sump pump for an amount of time equalto a predetermined time value has passed since the determining that thefloat switch is off at step (c); and (e) cease to provide power to thesump pump.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the housing comprises amounting hole oriented to accept a screw for insertion into the duplexwall outlet to affix the power adapter to the duplex outlet.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15 further comprising a tab extension comprising asecond mounting hole and being configured to be inserted into themounting hole, the second mounting hole being oriented to accept a screwfor insertion into a simplex wall outlet to affix the power adapter tothe simplex wall outlet.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the poweradapter further comprises a terminal comprising two contactorsconfigured to couple to a high water sensor.
 18. The system of claim 14,wherein the message comprises at least one of an average weekly motorcurrent, an average motor current per cycle, a longest cycle length, ashortest cycle length, a total number of cycles, a total pump run time,an average power per week, an average power per cycle, a power factor, anumber of cycles between a previous health test, a time of one or morehealth tests, and a voltage measured by the power adapter.
 19. A methodfor controlling and monitoring a sump pump coupled to a power adapter,the method comprising the steps of: (i) determining that a float switchis on, the float switch being coupled to the power adapter; (ii)providing power to the sump pump; (iii) sensing a current provided tothe sump pump; (iv) determining that the float switch is off; (v)determining that the current is below a threshold value; (vi)determining a time value that has elapsed between the determining thatthe float switch is off at step (iv) and the determining that thecurrent is below a threshold value at step (v); (vii) providing power tothe sump pump based on the time value.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the providing power to the sump pump based on the time at step(vii) comprises: (a) determining that the float switch is on; (b)providing power to the sump pump; (c) determining that the float switchis off; (d) continuing to provide power to the sump pump for an amountof time equal to a predetermined time value has passed since thedetermining that the float switch is off at step (c); and (e) ceasing toprovide power to the sump pump.